05
Dec

For Gambel oak management including removal and pruning in and around Larkspur area, call (719)400-9104.

In addition to scrub oak pruning and removal, gambel oak management also includes tree insect control. Insects are an essential piece of an ecosystem. They provide sustenance for the animal population in the area and also can help with the soil and distribution of seeds. However, insect infestations can cause damage to your trees and shrubs including scrub oak.

Below we look at the main types of insects that can cause major problems for the scrub oak bushes.

Which Insects Like Scrub Oak?

1. Cicadas. Cicadas usually appear in huge numbers for around six weeks in June/July. They are a large insect with wings that produce a distinctive clicking noise. They don’t feed on the trees, they don’t really care about the leaves, but the trouble comes when laying their eggs. This egg-laying causes wounds to the bark that can result in bits of the tree falling off.

2. Galls.These show up as swollen areas on the leaves themselves and also on the stems of the scrub oak. They are very common on scrub oak and are caused by wasps or flies in the area. To stop it from happening you can control the leaves that fall on the ground and throw them away from the tree.

3. Canker Worms. Canker worms are pretty much caterpillars that hang from trees on silken threads. They can cause serious defoliation if left to their own vices. Also, the moths that appear after these caterpillars can also cause mischief as they also show up in huge numbers.

These are the 3 most serious contenders for causing the most damage to scrub oak. If you have concerns about your scrub oak infested with insects, call your plant health care specialist, master gardener extension program. They will help you choose the right gambel oak management plan.

Our gambel oak management program includes gambel oak pruning and removal. These gambel oak management images illustrate the type of work that we can do on your land. For any questions about our gambel oak management services, email us at office@coloradomastication.com..